Air Quality Concerns (Scranton, Pottsville, Nanticoke: homes, construction, living)

[jimazee]

We have run here of and on for years, mostly on the outskirts of Scranton 'proper'. We have also run in many other places, in many states in the Northeast but also FL and CA. We have experienced little difference running or plain breathing here than anywhere else, other then periodic heat and humidity which is found in many places at times.

Since there are many trees and plants, those who suffer from asthma and allergies may see a difference compared to cities or regions with fewer plants. I prefer it here to FL and many cities/suburbs of large cities which can be stifling. Running or living in cities, near traffic, industry, etc. as well as in treeless, or desert like climes would be rough for me. We like the trees, shade, and coolness afforded by the plant life.

One thing about NEPA is that most 'heavy' industry and even traffic is long gone or never was especially on the outskirts and suburbs. Back in the day the coal dumps produced some really rough air...it used to discolor houses and clotheslines turning them grey/black after rain etc. Those were the 'good old days'.

Everyone is different...sorta like pizza

[bloominscranton]

Originally Posted by jimazee

We have run here of and on for years, mostly on the outskirts of Scranton 'proper'. We have also run in many other places, in many states in the Northeast but also FL and CA. We have experienced little difference running or plain breathing here than anywhere else, other then periodic heat and humidity which is found in many places at times.

Since there are many trees and plants, those who suffer from asthma and allergies may see a difference compared to cities or regions with fewer plants. I prefer it here to FL and many cities/suburbs of large cities which can be stifling. Running or living in cities, near traffic, industry, etc. as well as in treeless, or desert like climes would be rough for me. We like the trees, shade, and coolness afforded by the plant life.

One thing about NEPA is that most 'heavy' industry and even traffic is long gone or never was especially on the outskirts and suburbs. Back in the day the coal dumps produced some really rough air...it used to discolor houses and clotheslines turning them grey/black after rain etc. Those were the 'good old days'.

Everyone is different...sorta like pizza

I noticed when I first moved here the out side of my rental had soot on the siding and would wash it off. Same thing on the house I own. I just washed down the siding on my front porch Wednesday. I don't know what it is from, but the only way I can describe is a fine black soot type of coating.

Sues, Scranton is no dirtier than any of the towns around here, with the exception of Clarks Summit and Waverly!

[jimazee]

Originally Posted by bloominscranton

I noticed when I first moved here the out side of my rental had soot on the siding and would wash it off. Same thing on the house I own. I just washed down the siding on my front porch Wednesday. I don't know what it is from, but the only way I can describe is a fine black soot type of coating.

Sues, Scranton is no dirtier than any of the towns around here, with the exception of Clarks Summit and Waverly!

I don't know what you are seeing but, we have lived in or near woods for many years in a few states. Some trees emit 'stuff' (pollen and ??) that builds up on cars and houses in just a few days. Different tress and plants at different times of the year...and some is plain annoying. Someone here can probably be more precise about what it is and what tress are most likely contributors but it is light enough that the wind must carry it quite a ways.

Then again, you might have some of the old coal breaker soot that is stored underground and pumped into the air using the old mine exhaust fans ... to cause health problems and keep out 'outsiders'.

[fisheye]

Originally Posted by jimazee

I don't know what you are seeing but, we have lived in or near woods for many years in a few states. Some trees emit 'stuff' (pollen and ??) that builds up on cars and houses in just a few days. Different tress and plants at different times of the year...and some is plain annoying. Someone here can probably be more precise about what it is and what tress are most likely contributors but it is light enough that the wind must carry it quite a ways.

Then again, you might have some of the old coal breaker soot that is stored underground and pumped into the air using the old mine exhaust fans ... to cause health problems and keep out 'outsiders'.

The air is a little more stagnant in the valleys than it is in the elevations. But the elevations usually get more snow - so it's a tradeoff.

As far as pollen: Yes; we have different vegetation that releases it's pollen at different times. Sometimes our large white pines can look like they are smoking from the amount of pollen released. Dandelion will make it look as if it is snowing outside - it all depends on the wind and how many are close to your home. Popular trees also release great amounts of pollen. Then we have our ragweed and goldenrod - but these are only a few of the problems.

You also have man made contamination from construction sites, fireplaces/wood burners/furnaces, motor vehicles and ATV's and small engines.

Does Scranton have any active coal mining? I know that when I would run through Charleston, WV that everything looked like it had a gray/black coating of soot.

[thecoalman]

Originally Posted by fisheye

Tell them what it smelled like up there fifty/sixty years ago. Back when the slag mountains were burning.

The only constant fire is Laurel run, some minor fire in the culm banks here and there but they put them out quickly.

[fisheye]

Originally Posted by thecoalman

The only constant fire is Laurel run, some minor fire in the culm banks here and there but they put them out quickly.

That was all that was burning fifty or sixty years ago? I used to remember the strong smell of sulfur in the air. But I forget if that was in Scranton or going to Eynon?

[wadejay26]

Originally Posted by fisheye

That was all that was burning fifty or sixty years ago? I used to remember the strong smell of sulfur in the air. But I forget if that was in Scranton or going to Eynon?

I grew up in the 60s in Scranton, directly across street from a culm fire. So yes, you smelled sulphur in Scranton back then.

[bloominscranton]

Originally Posted by jimazee

I don't know what you are seeing but, we have lived in or near woods for many years in a few states. Some trees emit 'stuff' (pollen and ??) that builds up on cars and houses in just a few days. Different tress and plants at different times of the year...and some is plain annoying. Someone here can probably be more precise about what it is and what tress are most likely contributors but it is light enough that the wind must carry it quite a ways.

Then again, you might have some of the old coal breaker soot that is stored underground and pumped into the air using the old mine exhaust fans ... to cause health problems and keep out 'outsiders'.

Lol, about the fans and keeping us transplants out! Both my sons have asthma and they have not had any ill effects from living here. Both of these homes I mentioned are in N. Scranton. Like I said, I have no idea what the "fine soot " is, maybe you are right about coal breaker dust...I mean there were mines all over here, right?.

[jimazee]

Originally Posted by bloominscranton

Lol, about the fans and keeping us transplants out! Both my sons have asthma and they have not had any ill effects from living here. Both of these homes I mentioned are in N. Scranton. Like I said, I have no idea what the "fine soot " is, maybe you are right about coal breaker dust...I mean there were mines all over here, right?.

There were coal breakers (see if we can guess why they were called that...) throughout the valley. The were next to piles of coal mining waste called culm dumps...some of which literally burned continuously. Some of both still remain, but are many fewer than years ago. Here is one link ...Googling will get lots more.

Breakers

[bloominscranton]

Originally Posted by jimazee

There were coal breakers (see if we can guess why they were called that...) throughout the valley. The were next to piles of coal mining waste called culm dumps...some of which literally burned continuously. Some of both still remain, but are many fewer than years ago. Here is one link ...Googling will get lots more.

Breakers

I know the house we bought was next to old culm dumps. The neighborhood directly behind me was built on them. The newish neighborhood on the N. Scranton Westside border. Not sure if you know what neighborhood I mean. My 1.5 double that I rented is one block up from Main Ave. in North Scranton. My knowledge of coal mining terms etc. is based upon the coal mining tour @ McDade Park we went on in the summer of 2007; and since I currently suffer from C.R.S. (can't remember ****e) I will look up why they are called breakers.